CHAPTER SIX
That's not true! I did not! :(
- 10:13 am -
Ya did shorty
- 10:13 am -
Gajeel! You're kidding right? Haha?
- 10:14 am -
Gajeel tried not to laugh and replied to her message. He'd managed to miss most of his calculus lesson, or rather, he'd managed to completely zone out and not hear a single word Mr. Neekis had said. Since their spur-of-the-moment date getting hot cocoa last Thursday, Levy and Gajeel had both been incredibly busy. Between ballet and classes and Levy getting ready for an upcoming performance and a massive repair job at work for Gajeel, they'd barely had time to see each other. Just a quick greeting and a kiss on the cheek when Gajeel saw her at the studio in the evening before parting ways and texting for the day. Not to mention, appointments with Porlyusica. Gajeel's symptoms had leveled out, thankfully, but cancer was a constant battle, and his symptoms were never easy to handle.
Tonight would be their first date as an official couple. Gajeel couldn't wait, but until then, he was content to text his new girlfriend while he was in class. After carrying her home the week before, her asleep in his arms, Gajeel couldn't stop thinking about it. Her face would scrunch up as she dreamed in the cutest way, long lashes fluttering against her pink cheeks. The full pout of her lips tantalized him, the softness of her skin called him in…
Though it was so much more fun to let her think she drooled on him when he took her home. Levy didn't need to know that, in truth, she was so breathtakingly beautiful when she was sleeping in his arms that his heart nearly stopped. Or that his pulse quickened to an alarming rate. Or that the way she sighed in her sleep, hot breath puffing against his neck, caused the most delicious tingle under his skin. Or that just one look at her made his heart swell with love… She didn't need to know all that. Telling her she drooled was the smarter option, obviously. Levy was just too easy to pick on, and Gajeel couldn't get enough of her reactions.
Levy was currently practicing in the studio, but each time she took a break, she'd text him. Their conversation had been a slow one, but Gajeel was loving teasing her, and each message she sent made him even more excited to see her that evening.
Gajeel had thought all week on what they could do for date night. She was his girlfriend now, and he wanted it to be special. As much of a sappy little wuss he'd become (Sting and Rogue were having a blast with that), he just wanted to make Levy happy. Besides, with summer coming to a close, it was getting closer and closer to her big performance in January, and he knew she was terrified.
After some deliberation, and as much as he hated to admit, some council from Jellal (Gajeel had to admit the guy was suave), he decided on asking Levy to come to his apartment for dinner. She'd never been to his apartment—it was both a bit nerve-wracking and incredibly exciting. With any luck she'd be spending a lot more time there in the future. Hell, if she wanted to move in, Gajeel would have no objections.
The only thing Gajeel had to consider was hiding all his medications and paperwork. He just wasn't ready to face that yet. Before he left for class that morning, he stuffed all his paperwork and pill bottles and in a bag and shoved it in his closet. Surely Levy wouldn't go in there… And after going to the store for the first time in what seemed like months, Gajeel had everything he needed for a romantic dinner for two. Another groan—what the hell was happening to him?
Jellal had suggested the romantic home cooked meal and wine. He said that Erza went crazy for that kind of thing. But he also advised that nothing won more than something that came from the heart—or some cheesy kinda shit like that. If Gajeel was going to get advice from anyone he knew, it would be Jellal. He and Erza had been engaged for a few months now, and they almost had a picture-perfect relationship. Lucy and Natsu were…immature, at best. Laxus and Mira were interesting—it took him months to finally realize his own feelings for her, and even then he was a coward and kept running away—and Gray was damn near terrified of Juvia for years. Jellal and Erza were the only sane couple he knew.
I promise. Drooled all over me.
- 10:15 am -
Gajeel watched the three dots blink and then disappear and reappear on the bottom of the screen, signaling Levy's attempt to come back with a response. He'd discovered that when she got flustered, she would type a message and erase it several times before settling on something she deemed adequate. This time he seemed to have stumped her. Gajeel took pity on his girlfriend.
Joking shrimp.
- 10:19 am -
Gajeel, you jerk! -.- You're horrible! I was so embarrassed!
- 10:20 am -
He snickered into his hand. Oh yeah, totally worth it. Absently, Gajeel noticed the powerpoint come to a close, and Jura opened a file folder to call out last minute announcements before dismissing.
"Summer term is coming to an end, so everyone be preparing for the final exam." He flipped through more papers, light glinting off his shiny, hairless head. Finally he straightened and set down the folder, removing his glasses. "And I'll expect that homework assignment submitted online by Monday. Class dismissed. Enjoy your weekend."
The room exploded with chatter and rustling papers. Textbooks slammed closed and backpacks were zipped up as people scurried to the exit of the classroom, some brushing past the professor without a second glance, some waving politely. Gajeel grabbed his bag, moving to the front of the room where Erza was putting away her textbooks. He could spot her anywhere. Amongst the sea of yoga pants and messy buns and sorority shirts, she shined like a beacon with her scarlet hair, pulled neatly into a french twist.
"Here. Thanks for lettin' me borrow them."
Erza looked up and smiled, taking the notes from his outstretched hand. "It's no trouble. I appreciate you getting them back to me on time." He grunted. "Are you feeling any better? You still look a bit fatigued."
Gajeel almost snorted. When did he not look fatigued?
He knew Erza was referring to last week. He'd missed class because he way over-exerted himself carrying Levy home. Erza had agreed immediately when he sent her a text and asked to borrow her notes because he'd miss class that day. Luckily, Gajeel was able to sleep in, and by skipping class he managed to rest properly before going into work that afternoon. Then by the evening, he was able to briefly greet his girlfriend without her finding out about his disposition.
The guilt burning in the pit of his stomach was a constant reminder that he didn't deserve an angel like Levy. She deserved to know the truth, that he was dying from terminal stomach cancer. That he had a jacked up past that made loving him impossible. But Gajeel was selfish, and in his own mind a coward. Levy was the best thing that had ever happened to him—he couldn't tell her something that would inevitably push her away. Not yet.
Gajeel nodded shortly. "I'm fine."
Erza eyed the hand clutching at his stomach suspiciously.
"Alright. Well if you need anything, let me or Jellal know. We don't live far, you know," she smirked. "We'd be happy to help."
Oddly enough, this did comfort him a little bit. Truth be told, his stomach was hurting (the medicine never really completely got rid of that), but this was definitely one of his better days. Gajeel gave her a small smile, seemingly shocking her. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it," she said slowly.
He knew that look. As a criminal justice major, Erza was calculative and smart, and she could read into someone's actions easily. If he wasn't careful, she would start to notice something was up, and as a friend of Levy's, Erza knowing about his cancer was the last thing he needed. Gajeel nodded quickly, scratching the back of his neck and backing away.
"I gotta get to the gym," he said. "Later."
He barely caught a glimpse of her waving as he rushed out of the room.
Normally having a day off work felt like he was being weak, or like Sting and Rogue were just pitying him. Gajeel knew that to be incorrect. They didn't pity him, they worried about him, but off days still felt like pity charity. But this time was different. Sting had proposed to Yukino the week before, and she said yes. Sting was celebrating by closing the shop early for the weekend to go see her. Gajeel couldn't complain; it gave him the perfect opportunity to hit the gym.
Though experience taught him to take it easy… He would get in a good workout, but at a slow pace that his body could handle, and the second he even felt an ounce of exhaustion, he would quit. His date with Levy that night was more important than bicep curls ever could be.
He hated that he couldn't exercise like he used to. He hated that he couldn't run and carry his girl and climb ungodly amounts of stairs without nearly passing out. He hated that his body had become so weak and frail that one wrong move could put him on bed rest for an entire day… Gajeel just hated cancer. It was one of those 'it'll never happen to me' things. Before his diagnosis, he considered himself ten feet tall and bulletproof. Now, he felt small and sick. He hated it—he hated himself.
Thankfully, as long as he took it easy, he could still exercise. It just took longer… And smaller weights.
After changing into some black gym shorts and pulling his wild mane back into a ponytail, Gajeel spent the next hour focusing on his arms and upper body. It had been a couple of weeks since he got in a good workout, so starting easy with arms seemed like a good plan. Jumping straight into core or leg work would nearly destroy him. He had to ease into it.
By the end of his workout, he'd managed to work his biceps, triceps, and his upper back successfully. He had plenty of time to rest and recover before Levy came over, so fatigue shouldn't be an issue as long as he took his medicine. Gajeel slumped onto a nearby bench, pulling a water bottle from his gym bag and wiping his forehead with the towel around his neck.
"Hey, man!"
Gajeel blinked and looked to the right, quirking a brow when he saw Natsu and Gray. "Hey."
Natsu grinned. "Geez, don't sound so happy to see us!"
Gajeel rolled his eyes and took a sip of water. "What's up?"
Gray pulled a shirt on and combed through his hair with his fingers. "We just finished sparring and we're going to grab a bite to eat. You done?"
Gajeel nodded, scratching at one of the studs on his chin.
"Good." Gray crossed his arms. "Come with us, loser."
For once, this banter actually made Gajeel smirk. "Who in the hell are you callin' a loser?"
Natsu propped his elbow on Gray's shoulder. "Never mind that, come on! I'm starving!"
For a brief moment Gajeel considered saying no, but he was in a really good mood today. Finally, he nodded and grabbed his gym bag. "Alright, alright. Let me go change."
"Awesome, now I'm fired up!" Natsu fist pumped, earning a confused glare from Gray. "Hurry up! I'm hungry."
Gray scoffed. "When are you not hungry?"
Their fighting trailed away as they left to wait outside, and Gajeel rolled his eyes. Idiots. But still, he couldn't help but smile.
Levy swung her leg out gracefully into a penché, unaware of the two women entering the practice auditorium. The piano music built in intensity, growing louder and more defined, and Levy arched into the music. Arms in fifth position, she leaped into a grand jeté, internally cheering when her legs stretched into the full split, and finished off in pirouette that came to a graceful stop. Her back arched, one leg extended in front of her.
Loud cheering echoed from the back of the auditorium when the music faded to a close, and Levy jumped and straightened, squinting to see past the bright stage lighting and into what should have been the empty auditorium. Using the practice auditorium was good for getting comfortable with the stage, and since her first performance was coming up, she booked the room for the week to practice. There were three performances leading up to her debut in January, each would be open to the public. This way she could get feedback on her solo performance and get used to dancing the stage. Then when it was time for her debut, she could wow all the scouts attending!
"Lookin' good, lady!"
Levy beamed when she heard Cana. She and Lucy appeared shortly after, stepping up to the stage so that Levy was able to see them.
"Hey! What's going on?"
Lucy shrugged. "We're all going to lunch and we came to kidnap you."
"That sounds fun! I just finished up here." Levy pulled the water from her bag and took a sip, still breathing heavily. "Just give me a minute to stretch and put on something more appropriate."
Once she finished her stretches, she pulled a short denim skirt on over her gray leotard, keeping the light tights and leg warmers on—she didn't feel like going to change completely. The girls wouldn't mind. She slipped into some comfortable flats and pulled her cerulean curls loose from the bun. After tying her favorite light pink headband around her hair, she grabbed her ballet bag and smiled.
"I'm all ready to go!" She adjusted the thin strap of her leotard where it was falling off her shoulder and linked her arm with Lucy's. "Where are we going?"
"Blue Pegasus!"
Levy's eyes lit up. "I haven't been there in ages!"
"They have the best wine," Cana added. When Lucy glared at her playfully, she rolled her eyes. "Okay, their food is good, too. And that one guy there is so hot. Hibiki, right?"
"He's sweet," Lucy said. "You could ask him out!"
Cana snorted. "I don't think he could handle this much woman."
"Oh, Lev!" The tiny woman jumped at Lucy's outburst and looked up at her friend. "You're going to nail that solo! You dance so beautifully!"
"Yeah, you're lookin' good, hun! I don't think I could come close to some of those moves. What was that one where you jump and do the splits?"
Levy giggled. "A grand jeté?"
"That one!" Cana held the door open for them as they filed out of the auditorium and onto the sidewalk. "That was really cool. I'd break my legs trying to do that." Her eyes narrowed and she dramatically pulled her chocolate waves over her shoulder. "I bet Gajeel loves that…"
Levy blushed, and Lucy laughed as she tugged at the neckline of her tank top. "I should have worn something more comfortable…"
"I don't know why you wear clothes like that."
Lucy raised one brow. "Cana, you wear crop tops all the time!"
"Crop tops are different from v-neck tanks." Cana pushed up on her breasts and smirked. "The girls can be covered but still sexy. V-necks require too much effort. Push-up bras are a real bitch, you know?"
"Good logic." Lucy rolled her eyes jokingly. "Besides, I don't hear Natsu complaining!"
Once again, Levy sighed. Amidst a group of well-endowed women, Levy was nearly flat-chested compared to her friends. It was something she had to learn to get over. On the positive side, she'd always heard her hips were nice. But every now and then she felt like a child. Adorable, cute, tiny, precious—adjectives she'd become used to since she was a child. Now at nineteen, she still felt like a child. But then again…Gajeel made her feel like a woman. She felt beautiful with him, not cute.
"So," Levy interrupted as they stepped through the doors of the restaurant, "is there a table already?"
Lucy pulled her blonde tresses into a ponytail as she looked around. "There should be… Mira said— Oh! There they are!"
"Hey ladies!" Cana waved over at where Mira, Erza, and Juvia sat talking. They all looked up and smiled. "Mission 'abduct the shrimp' was a success!"
Mira giggled. "Glad you could join us, Levy!"
"I'm glad I could join, too!" Levy sat in the chair beside Juvia, giving her friend a warm hug. She accepted another hug from Erza before picking up her menu. "How have you all been? I feel like I haven't seen you in ages!"
"Since we last went to the mall," Erza mused.
Juvia looked over her menu and smiled. "Juvia has missed hanging out together! And Juvia hasn't been to Blue Pegasus since last year…"
By that time their waiter, Freed, arrived. His long, green hair was pulled into a low, elegant ponytail, and he looked polished and handsome in his black vest and bowtie. "Afternoon, ladies."
"Hi Freed! It's good to see you again," Mira said.
The handsome man bowed slightly, flashing them a polite smile. "Likewise, Mirajane."
She giggled. "You've known me for six years and yet you're still so formal with me. Will I be seeing you tomorrow night at Laxus' place for the game?"
The faintest hint of red dusted his cheeks and he chuckled. "I wouldn't miss it." Mira smiled and nodded, and after a silence a bit longer than necessary, Freed cleared his throat and smiled politely. "Good to see you all again, ladies. What can I get you to drink?"
Lucy and Juvia both ordered, and after a brief moment of consideration, Erza ordered a glass of strawberry infused water. After almost snorting at Erza's overly predictable drink, Freed scribbled down their orders and turned to Levy,
"I'll just have a water," Levy said. "Thank you, Freed!"
The waiter nodded and glanced at Mira. "Water with lemon, right?"
Mira giggled. "How did you know?"
Freed just rolled his eyes, the small smile betraying his expression. "Cana?"
"Yeah, can I get a jack and coke?" Everyone blinked at Cana, Levy and Lucy giggling. An awkward moment passed, and Cana sighed and rolled her eyes. "Alright fine, just a coke will be fine."
"Good girl." Freed smirked and tucked away his notepad. "I'll be back with your drinks soon, ladies."
"Oh! And rolls!" Lucy called. "They have great rolls…"
As soon as he left, Mira turned to the group. "I want to set him up with someone."
Erza nodded and tapped her chin. "Interesting… Who would you suggest? I don't know too many women looking for a relationship but I'm up to the challenge."
Suddenly Cana was giggling, her laughter growing into something almost sinister. Everyone looked at her like she was crazy. Levy and Lucy exchanged confused glances and Juvia blinked at her nervously.
Juvia took her shoulder gently. "Cana?"
Mira smiled sweetly at Erza. "Sweetie, Freed is gay."
Erza blinked once, twice, then tilted her head. "Huh?"
"He's Laxus' best friend, I should know. Laxus knows, too. Freed had a crush on him for a long time before Laxus and I got together."
"Well…" Lucy threaded her fingers together and rested her chin on her hands. "That was unexpected. I say go for it! I'll donate Natsu to help out the cause."
"Juvia won't donate Gray-sama," Juvia said sternly.
Cana's eyes darkened playfully. "What about you, hun? You want to donate Gajeel?"
Levy blushed. Thankfully Freed arrived just in time with their drinks, and she eagerly accepted her water, nearly guzzling half the glass. They all placed their orders (and an extra basket of rolls), and when Mira asked Freed if he had any friends yet that he'd been interested in, he blushed and practically ran to greet another table.
"So," Lucy said. "How have things been going with Gajeel?"
Levy sighed dreamily and leaned back into her seat, twirling one of the loose curls framing her face between her fingers. "Wonderful… Actually, we made it official last week."
"Lev! I'm so happy for you!"
Everyone shared their excitement, asking questions about how he asked and how the dates were, and Levy retold her stories. The last few months getting know him had been wonderful, and now that they they were finally together, she couldn't have been happier. It was like floating on a cloud—she'd never come down from this high.
"So has he kissed you yet?"
Pink tinted her cheeks as she sipped her water. "Eh— No, not yet." Cana made a face and Levy stammered. "N-Not on the lips, anyway! He's kissed my cheek."
Mira giggled. "Sounds like he's a real gentleman. Who'd have known?"
"Gray-sama was the same way," Juvia said reassuringly. "Gray-sama was so nervous when he started dating Juvia… But when he did kiss Juvia, it was wonderful!" There were practically hearts in her eyes as she spoke. "Gray-sama is a true gentleman. Juvia thinks that's how Gajeel will be!"
Cana snorted into her drink. "Yeah, I'm gonna hold that over Gray's head forever…"
"Jellal was similar. Well," Erza brushed the bangs from her eyes and smirked, "actually he kissed me relatively quickly… But he took his time with our relationship. He didn't want to rush things."
Levy smiled. "I'm not worried. I really like the pace we're going at."
The plates arrived and they dug in, spending the next two hours chatting and catching up. Even Freed joined in when business slowed down—his boss didn't care in the slightest. Bob was always happy about girl talk, and when Freed asked him if it would be okay to talk with his friends for a few minutes, he waved him off excitedly, telling Freed it was no problem if he promised to relay the gossip later.
After a grueling practice that morning, which turned out to be decently successful, Levy was perfectly content to spend an afternoon with her friends before enjoying the evening with Gajeel. When he invited her over for dinner, she was super excited. He'd said to just wear something comfortable and they would relax for the evening. Comfortable was fine with her—there was a pair of denim shorts and a sweatshirt calling her name.
"Oh!" Levy clapped her hands together, effectively interrupting Juvia's story. "Sorry, Juvia!"
Juvia laughed. "It's okay!"
When she motioned for her to continue, Levy pulled out a stack of flyers from her bag. "Before I forget, I have my first trial recital soon, and I want you all to be there. I'll be performing the solo that will be featured in my debut in January, so this is a good practice."
Everyone took a paper, and Lucy smiled. "You've been working so hard…"
"I understand there will be scouts from major companies at your debut right?" Erza asked. Levy nodded. "Then this will be an excellent trial run for you. It will be an honor to cheer you on!"
"I think so, too! I'll definitely be there." Mira giggled. "I love ballet. I'll even make Laxus come."
Erza blinked. "I should bring Jellal…"
"Juvia will bring Gray-sama!"
"I'll—" Cana awkwardly looked at her glass, "I'll bring some booze!"
Lucy laughed and held up the flyer. "Well it's settled then! We'll all go to support you! We can make a night of it."
Levy smiled and hugged Lucy. "Thank you!"
"Don't mention it!"
"Yeah! Besides," Cana grinned mischievously, "I want to see Gajeel's face when you start dancing. It'll be priceless!"
After texting Gajeel for an hour, and attempting to organize her books onto new larger bookshelves she'd had built, Levy left her apartment for the complex next door.
A conversation with Lucy a week before finally convinced her to get bigger bookshelves, and more of them. Now, floor-to-ceiling shelves filled the wall completely. She had to have them custom made for the apartment, but she'd been saving her money for a while and could afford the luxury. And if she ever wanted to have Gajeel over for dinner, she would need to get her books organized. The poor man nearly died every time he stepped into her apartment.
So far the first two shelves were filled and organized, which meant she had three left to fill—but also more stacks of books than one could count… It would be a long process.
Levy stepped into the elevator of his complex. He told her 1204, which hilariously enough was right next to Natsu's. Levy had been there with Lucy dozens of times, and the fact that she hadn't run into Gajeel beforehand just baffled her. You'd think that at least once they would have bumped into each other. When he said he didn't go out much, he wasn't kidding.
A ding signaled the twelfth floor, and Levy stepped out and took the few steps needed to reach Gajeel's apartment. She was oddly nervous—they'd been on two dates already, and they'd been hanging out nearly every day at some point in the day, but as a couple, things would be different. And being in his apartment was more intimate than she was used to.
Levy tucked a loose curl behind her ear, tugging on her sweatshirt that said 'POINTE' in large letters. She glanced at her short denim shorts, then at her fleece-lined ankle boots. Maybe not her best look….but it was comfortable! And he said to wear something comfortable… Her feet had been killing her from all the extra ballet practice, and she had more blisters than she could count, so the boots were the most comfortable shoes she owned that didn't hurt her feet somewhere. Levy frowned—she hoped she wasn't too casual.
She rang the doorbell, and after a moment the door swung open to reveal a very handsome Gajeel in an apron. His sleeveless shirt fit snugly over his chest, revealing the toned contours of his biceps. He smiled when he saw her, his scarlet eyes lighting up and his smile revealing sharp canines.
"There's my girl."
Levy giggled and smiled when he pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheek. "What's with the apron?"
Gajeel stepped aside to allow her to walk in, biting his lip as she passed by—those shorts were doing her ass a lot of favors. Gajeel could've hit himself. Even in shorts and a sweatshirt, she could drive him crazy.
"I made dinner."
Levy turned on her heels, eyes sparkling. "You can cook?"
Gajeel snorted. "Hell yeah! I may be bad at a lot of things, but cooking is somethin' I'm really good at."
Levy giggled. "I'll be the judge of that." She winked at him and grabbed the strap of the purse hanging on her shoulder. "Where can I set this?"
"Wherever. Make yourself comfortable. Dinner isn't ready yet." He smiled softly when she looked around curiously. "You want somethin' to drink?"
Levy blinked. "Water would be great."
A moment later, Gajeel returned with a bottle of water and another kiss on the cheek. He reveled in the sound of her laughter as he retreated into the connecting kitchen.
Levy looked around the living room. His apartment smelled amazing… Like Gajeel—rustic and warm. Like motor oil and musk and pine, but also like the cologne he wore upon occasion. And the scent of whatever he was cooking nearly made her mouth water.
Levy sat on the sofa, which was well worn and cozy. Fingers brushed the soft fabric on the pillow nestled against the cushions, and she pulled it against her chest absently. Caught up in her own thoughts, Levy missed the large, sleek dark cat jumping onto the cushion beside her. She nearly jumped out of her skin when something furry and warm rubbed against her arm. Blinking, confused honey-brown eyes flitted down to the cat, who was affectionately nuzzling her arm with his head.
"Oh!" Levy cooed and scratched the cat under its chin, smiling when he purred and rubbed her hand.
"That's Pantherlily," Gajeel said from the kitchen. Levy looked up to see him leaning against the wall, watching with a smile that blended pride and fondness. "Crazy son of a gun, but he's a good cat. He must like you."
Levy laughed. "Pantherlily? That's an interesting name."
Gajeel snorted and took a sip from his beer. "Well, he looked so ferocious when I found him, so I was gonna call him Panther. But that cat has the girliest meow I've ever heard."
When Pantherlily squeaked in protest, Levy giggled.
"That's adorable!" She scratched the top of his head lovingly. "Don't listen to him, I think your name is lovely."
He purred again and rubbed her arm affectionately
"Yeah." You're adorable. Gajeel scratched the back of his neck and grunted, smiling when Levy laughed again at Pantherlily's squeaky meow. "He's a damn wuss though. Little chicken's terrified of thunder."
Pantherlily squeaked again to get Levy's attention, and she scratched his back when he curled up in her lap. "He's so sweet!"
Gajeel smirked and leaned over to pet the cat's head. "Yeah, he's great."
He watched her coo over the cat for a while, giggling each and every time he squeaked at her. Watching them interact was priceless. Levy had a fierce love for linguistics, and apparently she was determined that Pantherlily was speaking to her in some sort of ancient cat language. Watching her squeak back at him, Pantherlily excitedly squeaking more as if having a conversation, brought a smile to his face.
"I found him half dead."
Levy looked up at him, her hand stilling against Pantherlily's fur. Even the cat paused to look up at Gajeel, and after noting the serious tone, stood up and hopped over to rub against him.
"He was on the side of the road, nearly starved to death," Gajeel said softly. "I figured I knew what he was going through, so I kept him."
Levy smiled, tucking a blue curl behind her ear. "How did he get the scar?"
"Dunno. He was injured when I found him." Gajeel thumbed the scar carefully. "We match. We both have our scars."
What bits and pieces she knew about Gajeel's past weren't very positive. He'd been in the foster system for years, and his experience was poor, at best. Levy didn't want to push him to talk about what he'd been through. Gajeel had visible scars on his skin that had an unexplained story, and she refused to ask him about the metal studs in his face. Levy maintained the mindset that he would tell her one day, when he was ready. She cared about Gajeel—more than she should for someone she'd only been officially dating for a week. And when the time came that he opened up about whatever tore him apart in his past, she would listen. And she would accept each and every piece of him. Gajeel was made of pure gold, as far as she was concerned. Whatever haunted his past was just that—all in the past.
"Well you also are both incredibly handsome," Levy said softly. Her cheeks tinted, coloring the freckles across her nose. "So you have that in common, too."
While Pantherlily's ears perked up at Levy's comment, Gajeel blushed and stared at her. Handsome was never an adjective placed with his name. Gajeel had always considered himself scary and scarred. But somehow Levy didn't see all that in him.
Thankfully, the timer in the kitchen went off. "Ah, shit…"
Levy blinked up at him when he practically ran into the kitchen. "Everything okay?"
"Yup!" he called back. She could hear pans and plates clinking around for a moment. "Is there anything I can do?"
His husky 'gihihi' laugh echoed from the kitchen. "Can't stand not helping, can ya shrimp?"
Levy frowned and blushed. Suddenly Gajeel emerged with two plates, setting them down on the coffee table in front of Levy. While he went to grab two glasses of wine, Levy attempted to keep from drooling as she looked over the food. She never knew he could cook, but sitting in front of her were the two most tempting plates of pasta she'd ever seen.
Gajeel rounded the kitchen wall, glasses in hand, and set a small bowl of cat food down on the window sill for Pantherlily, who mewed appreciatively. He chuckled and sat beside Levy, untying his hair from its ponytail.
"This looks amazing, Gajeel…"
He smirked. "Only for my girl. Here," he held out a glass of white wine, "I know you're underage, so try not to pass out."
Levy stuck her tongue out and giggled. "Thank you, Gajeel. This really looks good. I haven't had pasta in a long time…"
"Ya gotta take a break from this rabbit food of yours every now and then, shorty."
"I know. I just get so busy that I forget to eat…" Levy took a bite, aware of Gajeel watching her eagerly. Golden eyes rolled back, and she sighed happily. Gajeel only laughed and took a bite of his own food. "This really is delicious…"
Dinner transitioned into a movie, which Gajeel honestly didn't pay any attention to. After putting the disc in, he sat down and was promptly used as a pillow. It was a good surprise. The blushing woman beside him had scooted closer to him, leaning against him, and after internally screaming how cute she was, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. The duration of the movie was spent holding her like that, inhaling her perfume and feeling the softness of her skin where his hand rested on her arm. If perfection took on a human form, it would be Levy McGarden.
"I love this part," she whispered suddenly. "It's always been my favorite scene."
Gajeel studied her face. The dim light from the TV bounced off her skin in a white glow. Her eyes glistened, twinkling with happiness as she watched the dragon on the screen majestically spread its wings. She smiled softly as she watched the movie, taking in every detail. The way she laughed at funnier parts of the film, her eyes closing and her shoulders shaking, was beautiful. Or the way she teared up when something emotional happened was breathtaking.
When had something as simple as a sweatshirt and shorts become so alluring? On anyone else it would look average and plain. On Levy it was like a work of art, highlighting the best aspects of her frame (which was basically all of her). From the curve of her hips to the dip of her lower back and waist, every inch of her was perfect. But her heart was what had Gajeel reeling. From the start, she saw past his exterior, past his scars and scowl, and looked right into his soul. She saw someone inside him that he didn't even recognize in himself.
"Lev."
Honey-brown met scarlet, her smile fading to a curious expression when she saw the heat in his gaze. It was like looking into a smoldering fire, like embers of red.
"Gajeel?"
They were a couple—it would be okay… She wouldn't mind… Gajeel cupped her face, his thumbs grazing her cheeks, her bottom lip, her jawline, finally resettling against her cheeks to cradle her face in his hands. Her fair skin was warm and rose-colored from embarrassment. "You're beautiful."
She blinked, flushed cheeks darkening even more as he lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers. The delicious way her breath hitched in her throat pushed him further, and when her eyes fluttered closed, he gently angled her head and brought his lips to hers. The feel of her was everything he'd imagined—velvet soft, warm. Her delicate hands fisted in his shirt before snaking around his torso, and he eagerly pulled her into his lap. When his tongue brushed the seam of her lips, she opened to him without hesitation. Sweet and hot and completely Levy… Gajeel would never get enough of the taste of her.
Levy's hands moved to entangle in his hair, her nails grazing his back and her fingers massaging the knots in his shoulders. He shifted without breaking the kiss, adjusting so she wrapped her legs around his waist. Kissing her was like a drug. Intoxicating. Like all the good feelings in the world wrapped into one amazing gift meant only for him. Like heaven just opened its gates and pulled him in. Kissing her was all his favorite things, the feeling of home. The feeling of belonging somewhere. Desire and love and passion were steamrolled by that feeling—Gajeel had never once known what home felt like. But kissing Levy was like being at home, where everything was comfortable and easy and right. He could spend the rest of his life, as much as he had left, kissing her.
Soft fingers brushed the piercings in his ears, and she gasped when the the studs on his chin brushed her skin, creating a friction that sent tingles down her spine. Heated passion lessened into slow, gentle kisses, and when they finally pulled apart, Levy's hazy eyes met his. "Gajeel—"
"Not now," he said huskily, silencing her with another kiss. "One more, Lev. One more…"
Levy squeaked when his lips crashed against hers, but she gave in immediately. Her eyes rolled back as his tongue found hers again and his fingers wove through her curls.
Floating. Endlessly floating. This feeling wouldn't end… Like the sweetest of drugs, she pulled him in so deep he couldn't stop. Gajeel knew he was already in too far… He didn't deserve her. He was a monster, and he was only going to die soon. But he just couldn't stop… Like the self-satisfying bastard he was, he couldn't let her go. He'd tell her about his cancer soon. But for now, he just couldn't let her go. Because as soon as he told her about it, and the darkness of his past, she'd be out the door without giving him a second thought, and he couldn't say he blamed her. But he just couldn't…
She broke free and panted against his cheek, smiling when hungry lips found her cheek, her jaw, the dip where her neck met her shoulders. "Gajeel…" He grunted, and she giggled. "Gajeel! That tickles, stop!"
He smirked dangerously and pulled away, but he softened when he saw her face. His thumb brushed her bottom lip gently. "You're perfect, shrimp."
Levy blushed. "I-I… Well, maybe not perfect…"
Gajeel barked out a laugh. "You are. You're amazing, Lev." It took only a moment for Gajeel to realize what he'd said. Dark pink embarrassment crept into his cheeks as he scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Ah… You've turned me into some cheesy moron."
Levy smiled up at him sweetly. Gajeel just looked into her eyes, his own smile matching hers. They seemed to communicate through their shared gaze. Calloused hands reach up to tuck a cerulean curl behind her ear, his lips seeking out her skin again. Levy giggled when he kissed her cheek again.
"It's getting late, Gajeel."
"Nah," he murmured against her neck. "It's only one o'clock."
His hands gripped her hips, hot breath puffing against her skin. "Wah— Gajeel that's really late!"
Rugged and warm and throaty, his weirdly attractive laugh bubbled from his chest and filled the air. Levy could have listened to it all day. Scarlet eyes briefly flitted to the clock on the wall and he sighed. "Okay, maybe it's a little late."
Levy giggled when he stood up and set her on her feet, steadying her when she wobbled.
Gajeel laced his fingers with hers and brought her hand to his mouth to kiss her palm. "I'll walk you home."
"Eh? I only live next door."
Gajeel picked her up and secured her against his chest, ignoring her tiny (and completely adorable) squeak of protest. "Yup. All the more reason."
Levy laughed. "I can walk home!"
"Ain't gonna happen, shrimp."
"It won't even take me five minutes!" She grabbed her purse from the entry table as he walked past the door.
Gajeel chuckled and held her tighter as he locked his front door behind him. "Gotta take care of my girl."
Levy huffed. As he maneuvered her toward to elevator, his hand brushed the back of her knee where he held her, and she giggled.
One studded eyebrow raised. "Somethin' funny?"
Levy's eyes widened and she shook her head frantically.
Gajeel knew her mistake immediately, and sneakily he reached down to squeeze the bend of her knee again, earning a shocked squeal from his girlfriend.
Levy looked from his smirking face to her knee and back again. "Gajeel— No!"
Gajeel stopped listening as he set her down and pursued all her ticklish spots, not caring that they were in the middle of the hallway, and that it was one o'clock in the morning. Levy squealed with laughter as she ran away from Gajeel, who only followed after her through the empty hallway, 'gihihis' bouncing off the walls.
A door slammed and a ruffled pink head popped out into the hallway.
"What the hell, Gajeel?!" Natsu was clearly half asleep as he squinted into the well-lit hall. "Would you shut up?"
Lucy yawned as she poked her head out beside Natsu. "Wha's goin' on?" She blinked, pulling the hair out of her eyes and nearly falling over from lack of balance. Natsu caught her easily, keeping one arm around her waist. "Wha— Wha's happened?"
"What the hell," Gray groaned, looking out his own room, a very sleepy Juvia collapsed into his side. "Juvia's exhausted, who in the hell is making all that noise?"
Several other people looked out, some blinking and sleepy while others were wide awake. Mira and Laxus looked out curiously, Laxus looked highly unamused while nursing a cold beer while Mira smiled knowingly. Erza and Jellal were…well by the state of their robes, they were definitely not sleeping. And the look on her face clearly said she was ready to kill whoever had disturbed them.
Juvia yawned and blinked up at Gray. "Gray-sama? Who's here?"
Gray chuckled and pulled her close. "No one, Juvia. Go back to sleep. I'll take care of this los—"
Suddenly Levy burst through the hallway, shrieking with laughter as Gajeel chased her, finally catching her and lifting her into the air. A mixture of his strange laughter and her squealing filled the hall. For a moment, everyone was so shocked that they didn't know how to react.
"Sorry," Gajeel said unapologetically, throwing Levy over her shoulder. She kicked and screamed with laughter, and he smirked as he carried her to the elevator. The door closing snapped everyone out of their confused trance.
Finally Mira giggled and looked down the hall at Erza. "I don't think I've ever heard Gajeel laugh."
Erza shook her head. "You're right. And I don't believe I've ever seen him so…"
"Happy?" Lucy supplied.
"Yeah," Erza said softly. Jellal took her hand, murmuring something about continuing where they left off and gently pulling her against his chest with a suggestive look that Lucy wished she hadn't seen. Erza blushed and dazedly allowed him to pull her inside. "Goodnight, everyone…"
Several 'goodnights' were her reply, and finally Natsu groaned and picked up Lucy. "That was the weirdest thing I've ever seen. Now I'll never be able to sleep…"
Gray groaned as he reopened his door. "Oh, for the love of everything, Natsu, shut up and go to sleep…"
Ten minutes later, Gajeel returned feeling both over-exerted and giddier than a school girl. He was so fatigued he'd be lucky if he ever made it out of bed tomorrow—good thing his oncology appointment was on Monday. He didn't care… It had been the best night of his life.
The elevator door opened and Gajeel literally bumped into Mira.
"So, I guess everything is going well with Levy?"
He didn't answer, but his smirk and flushed cheeks were more than enough in terms of an answer.
A/N: Thank you for all of the reviews and I hope you enjoyed today's chapter! See you Monday!
